Sprinkling device



Sept. 15, 1959 H. .1. RIEKSE SPRINKLING DEVICE Filed May 31, 1957 J. RIEKSE HENRY INVENTOR ATTORNEY SPRINKLING DEVICE Henry J. Riekse, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Application May 31, 1957, Serial No. 662,790

3 Claims. 01. 239-19 This invention relates to the construction of lawnsprinkling equipment, and provides the usual functions associated with such devices. In addition, the construction and operation of the unit embodying this invention will create a center of interest and beauty whenever it is in operation. Particularly after sundown (which is generally agreed to be the best time to sprinkle a lawn), the use of the device will produce an effect similar to that of a lighted fountain in a public park. These features are incorporated in a very mobile and inexpensive unit which can be constructed basically of standard pipe fittings and components. The invention also includes a development in the construction of lights which are subject to an environment involving excessive moisture, and the construction of these lights has made possible the combination of the several components into an operating unit which is not only safe to use but is highly reliable. The several features of the invention will be analyzed in detail through a discussion of the particular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 presents a perspective view of a device incorporating the invention, with a portion of the outer shell broken away to expose the interior.

Figure 2 is a side elevation of one of the light units incorporated in the device illustrated in Figure 1.

Referring to the drawing, a frame includes the vertical members 10, 11, 12, and 13. These members are-preferably sections of galvanized pipe of the same type used conventionally by plumbers, and the corner points and junctions are standard plumbing fittings. The frame also includes the lower horizontal members 14, 1'5, 16, and 17. A second group of horizontal members disposed at an elevation somewhat above the lower group just referred to includes the members 18, 19, 20, and 21. Wheels as indicated at 22, 23, 24, and 25 are mounted in conventional fashion at the four corners of the unit.

A rectangular framework of angle iron is formed by the members 26, 27, 28, and 29. These members are disposed with the horizontal legs of the respective angles to the inside, and these horizontal surfaces receive a pane of glass 30 to form a shallow upper tray. The framework formed by the pieces of angle iron are secured to the vertical members of the frame by any convenient fastening means such as the bolts shown at 31 and 32.

A spray-delivery system, which may be considered as fixed with respect to the frame in the illustrated modification, is formed by the rectangular pipes 33, 34, 35, and 36. These pipes are all perforated at regular intervals along the length thereof, and preferably the orifices as indicated at 37 are disposed to project spray upwardly and inwardly toward the center of the device so that the droplets will fall on the tray defined by the glass 30 and its surrounding framework. This group of nozzle pipes is supplied with water through the fitting 38 and the hose 39, which is connected, in turn, with the distribution fitting 40. The pipe 41 connects the distribution fitting with the hose connection 42, through which the flow of Stes Faterrt Patented Sept. 15, 1959 water is supplied to the entire device. Suitable valves as indicated at 43 and 44 may be disposed as desired to selectively control the flow of water in the various branches of the circuit.

The central nozzle 45 is directed upwardly, and is mounted approximately in the center of the transverse pipe 46 supported on the vertical sections 47 and 48. The vertical section 47 also communicates with the distribution fitting 40, and plugs may be inserted at any position where it is desired to keep the fiow of water out of a section of pipe which serves a purely structural function.

The annular ring 49 is also perforated, and is carried on the U bolts 50, 511, 52, and 53. These bolts traverse suitable holes in the vertical structural pipes with which they are associated, and the inner sections of these bolts are used to position the rectangular spray unit which includes the pipes 3336. The hose section 54 connects the annular pipe 49 with the distribution fitting 40.

The lower tray 55 supported on the transverse lower horizontal members 56 and 57 serves as a platform on which the light units 58, '59, 6t and 61 are mounted. An electrical conduit system including the sections 62, 631, and 64 connects the various light units with the junction box 65, which is supplied with electrical energy through the cord 66. These light units are each constructed as shown in Figure 2, and include a base flange 66, a supporting section 67, a cross fitting 68 for connection to the conduit sections, and a receptacle 69 hav ing a screw fitting for receiving the base of the bulb 70. The front face 71 of the conventional bulb serves as a lens, and may be covered by a colored filter unit indicated in dotted lines at 72, if desired. The rear surface 73 of the bulb is tapered in form, and willnormally have a more or less parabolic contour. A rubber sleeve 74 is gathered closely into sealing engagement with the upper portion of the receptacle 69 by the hose clamp 75, and the annular ring 76 is pulled upwardly by a clamp 77 so that the upper portion of the sleeve is held solidly against the rear surface 73 of the bulb. The inside diameter of the ring 76 is somewhat smaller than the maximum diameter (at the uppermost end) of the sleeve 74. Bolts as indicated at 7'8 engage the clamp 77 and act against the flange 79 of the ring 76. The result of this arrangement is a well-sealed connection between the bulb and the receptable 69 which does not require that the bulb itself be carefully manufactured with respect to the receptacle.

The sealed characteristics of the light units make it possible for the sprinkling device shown in Figure l to be submerged in water in a pond or tank without fear of developing a short circuit. The other portions of the electrical circuit can easily be protected by standard measures from the effects of moisture. When the sprinkling device is to be used on the surface of a lawn, it is preferable that the shell or housing 80 be incorporated so that the internal structure of the device is shielded from view. Brackets as indicated at 81 and "82 may be used for supporting the shell by suspending the weight upon the annular ring 49, or any other convenient point of support may be used. If it becomes desirable to utilize the device for advertising purposes, the vertical sections 47 and 48 may be extended above the horizontal pipe 46 to provide the support for a sign or some similar device so that the movement and coloring provided by the spray and lighting systems can be used to draw the attention of passers-by to the premises. The movement of the water within the shallow tray formed by the plate of glass 30 and its surrounding framework makes a very striking effect when illuminated from underneath with lighting of various colors, and it is possible to vary the color effect by mounting the light units upon a rotary table of conventional design such as is used to create a moving store window display. The tray itself can also. be caused to move upon such a rotary unit; and it is possible to include a fixed decorative statuette positioned in the central part of the tray to increase the artistic effect if it becomes desirable to do so. These various arrangements are not to be considered as individually inventive, but are merely illustrations of the various manners in which the structure described above may be utilized to advantage.

The particular embodiments of the present invention which have been illustrated and discussed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be considered as a limitation upon the scope of the appended claims. In these claims, it is my intent to claim the entire invention disclosed herein, except as I am limited by the prior art.

I claim:

1. A sprinkling device, comprising: frame means including vertical members, upper horizontal members, and

receptacle in sealing relationship and also surrounding said tapered back surface, and also including an annular ring surrounding said sleeve and having an inside diameter less than the maximum diameter of said sleeve, and clamp means engaging said bulb and urging said ring against said tapered back surface to clamp the said sleeve therebetween.

2. A light unit comprising: a light bulb having a tapered back surface, a receptacle for said light bulb, a sleeve of deformable material surrounding said receptacle in sealing relationship and also surrounding said tapered back surface, and also including an annular ring surrounding said sleeve and having an inside diameter less than the maximum diameter of said sleeve, and clamp lower horizontal members; means forming a normally vertical tray mounted on said vertical members and having a transparent bottom; means forming a normally horizontal lower tray mounted on said lower horizontal members; spray means mounted on said frame means and disposed to project a portion of the spray normally issuing therefrom onto said upper tray means; and light means mounted on said lower tray means underneath said upper tray means to project light upwardly at and through the transparent bottom of said tray means and through the contents thereof, said light means including at least one light bulb having a tapered back surface and a receptacle for said light bulb including a base mounted on said lower tray, said light means also including a sleeve of deformable material surrounding said means engaging the front of said bulb and urging said ring against said tapered back surface to clamp the said sleeve therebetween.

3. A light unit comprising: a light bulb having a tapered back surface, a receptacle for said light bulb, a sleeve of deformable material surrounding said receptacle in sealing relationship and also surrounding said tapered back surface, and also including an annular ring surrounding said sleeve and having an inside diameter less than the maximum diameter of said sleeve, and clamp means engaging said bulb and urging said ring against said tapered back surface to clamp the said sleeve therebetween.

References Cited in the file of this patent 

